This toolkit is designed to increase provider awareness of issues that particularly affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population, provide information on key provisions of the Affordable Care Act, provide information specific to enrollment for LGBT communities, and offer resources to support LGBT individuals who have questions or are ready to enroll.
Among the LGBT community members who are low- or middle- income, one in four-26 percent-lack health insurance. Many of these uninsured LGBT individuals are eligible for financial assistance to gain coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Insurance coverage and access to health care are especially important for LGBT individuals because the LGBT population experiences health disparities such as elevated risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use and misuse. These disparities are related to the discrimination, prejudice, and social exclusion that many LGBT people encounter throughout their life.
Population of focus: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals
Link to resource: Affordable Care Act Enrollment Assistance for the LGBT Community: A Resource for Behavioral Health Providers (pdf)
Date: 2014
Organization: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration